The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1887-09-08

8tOA.
In accordance with published notice the Rail-
road Commission OF the State Of Florida met at
10 O'Clock on the 9th instant ia the Senate cham
be-, Capitol building. The three members Of
the Commission. Hons g. G. McWhorter, E. ].
Vann and VIM. Hines, and Secretary John G.
Ward, being present. Chairman McWhor,er
called the board 10 order and read the provision
Of the Railroad Commission act by which they
would be guided in their deliberations. II was
announced that the board was ready for bust
ness and the railroad officials present asked if
they had any information TO impart relative to
fixing tariffs Of freight aud passenger rales on
the various roads in the State Chairman Nc
Whorter stated that it was the purpose OF the
Commission to establish rates. and il was de-
sired that the railroad officials give their views
before raies were fixed.
Major Consnt. Manager Of the Florida South
ern Railway, stated that he was not prepared
with elaborate statistics and detailed informa-
ton. but asked that the Commission continue
The rates now in force on the Florida Southern
system.
Nearly all the roads in the Stale had furnished
to the Secretary of the Board tariffs and sched-
ules now in force on their lines, but ii was
not definitely known what Information was de-
sired by the commission the ON ;ers present
asked and obtained time in which to prepare
ports.
Mr. Moran, Superintendent of the Jackson
vile, Tampa and Key West Railway, asked that
the rates now in force on his line be contin-
ued, and stated that the earnings of the road
were not sufficient TO pay all the interest as it
accrued on the bonds of the railroad company
Mr.. w. P. Hardee. General Freight and Pas
senger Agent of s. F. & w. Railway, stated that
as that is an interstate road it would not
make suggestions as TO rates, but would adopt
the rates established after suggestions had been
heard from roads entirely within Florida. The
Savannah Florida and Western line, is of course,
within the jurisdiction of the Commission so far
as its line is in the State, and just so far it ex-
pected to be governed by the action Of the
Florida Commission.
Col. F. B. Papy read an able and exhaustive
paper on railroad management in Florida and
advanced arguments to show that existing rates
are just and reasonable.
At D. NJ the Commission met again, but ad-
| journed until Wednesday at % a. M, to give the
railroad officials an opportunity to prepare their
| reports
Wednesday morning Major Conant read a
singularly clear and concise paper giving infor-
nation as to the status and operations of the
Florida Southern Railway and made strong
argument for the continuance of the existing
rates of tb at road Major Conant, with others
urged the ACCESSIBILITY of adopting the classified
ton now used by the Southern Railroad and
Steamboat Association.
Mr.. Moran read an interesting report of the
operations of the Jacksonville, Tampa s. Key
| West Railway, and showed that on the main
line of that road the rates were lower than on
any other road in the State because the ST.
Johns river steamers were competitors TO the
road.
President Ingraham, OF the South Florida
Railway, presented an admirable document Civ
ing history and method of operating that ex-
tensive system of railroads.
Mr. G. d. Ackerly spoke for the Orange Belt
which is only partially completed.
Captain D. E. Max WELL General Superintend-
ent of the Florida Railway and Navigation Com.
| pany, presented to the board statements show
ing the business of that road and its net earnings
as compared with railroads in other States where
greater population afforded larger volume Of
traffic and travel, and based his argument on
those statistics. His paper was an able docu-
| ment.
After this Mr.. Ingraham, President of the
South Florida Railway, stated that the officials
present had no more Information to furnish the
board al present, and that they would like to be
| excused from further attendance, but would be
pleased TO supply any information in their power
at any future time when called upon to do so.
In behalf of the officers present Mr. Ingraham
very gracefully thanked the board for the pa
tient attention given the representatives of the
railroads.
Chairman McWhorter stated that the board
would receive in writing any further suggestions
the railroads wish to make and gave notice that
should any special information be needed all
would receive timely notice. The board then
adjourned its two-days' session. and all left the
hall after cordial congratulations.